Hezbollah Adapts to Israeli Strikes Despite Heavy Losses

Hezbollah is withstanding a week of intense Israeli strikes thanks to its adaptable chain of command, extensive tunnel network, and a vast stockpile of weapons, according to sources familiar with the Lebanese group’s operations. Israel has been targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and leadership, including Ibrahim Aqil, the founder of its elite Radwan force, who was killed in an airstrike on Friday. The strikes have also destroyed thousands of Hezbollah’s rockets and shells.

Despite these losses, sources say Hezbollah quickly replaced Aqil and other commanders killed in the recent airstrikes. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah previously stated that the group could swiftly fill leadership gaps when needed. Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi noted that Aqil’s death had shaken the organization, but Hezbollah’s ability to recover shows its resilience.

The Israeli bombardment, which escalated in response to Hezbollah’s attacks from southern Lebanon, has resulted in over 560 deaths, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. A Hezbollah official reported that 1,500 of its fighters were severely injured, many losing their sight or limbs due to attacks on communication devices. However, the group, which claims to have up to 100,000 fighters, continues its operations, redeploying combatants from Syria to southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah began firing at Israel on October 8 in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza, further escalating the conflict.